Sonnenberg history comes alive

Monday

Sep 23, 2013 at 12:24 PMSep 23, 2013 at 12:24 PM

By Julie Sherwood

jsherwood@messengerpostmedia.com

CANANDAIGUA — Little-known facts about the early days of Sonnenberg continue to intrigue a group of history enthusiasts who began work some three years ago uncovering, inspecting, organizing and archiving pictures and written documents from the estate's Victorian era.

This past week, the group met again in its ongoing project learning more about life on the estate of New York City banker Frederick Ferris Thompson and his wife, civic leader Mary Clark Thompson.

"We love the history," said Barb Stahl, a member of the group and an avid promoter known for her portrayal of Mary Clark Thompson for events benefiting Sonnenberg Mansion and Gardens State Historic Park, a property in recent years owned by New York state that continues to be run by a not-for-profit.

Stahl, who wrote a book published by Sonnenberg in 2009, "The Aviaries at Sonnenberg," is now working on a book about the workers on the estate during the period when it was a private home, from the 1860s to 1920s. So far, some 300 names have surfaced of those who worked at the estate — and that is not counting the servants.

On Saturday, Sept. 28, Stahl and others in the group archiving Sonnenberg history will share what they have learned during a panel discussion at the Ontario County Historical Society. It begins at 10:30 a.m. at the historical museum, 55 N. Main St., Canandaigua.

Without giving away the most interesting discoveries, for starters people can look forward to hearing a bit about what is written in the diaries of Frederick Ferris Thompson.

"It's a goldmine," said Stahl, of the recent access gained to the diaries. "We are over the moon."

David Hutchings, Sonnenberg's executive director, said the volunteers' dedication and enthusiasm in uncovering, organizing and preserving Sonnenberg's history have been a tremendous asset. In 2012, the group received the Director's Outstanding Achievement award for its progress on archiving Sonnenberg history.

For more information or to share information you may have on Sonnenberg's Victorian era, call Sonnenberg at (585) 394-4922.

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